Jaime Hernandez. -COURTESY PHOTO

Every teacher remembers the moment they knew they were called to the classroom. More recently, I remember the moment I was called back to the classroom.

I began my career in education in 1987 at an elementary school in Collier County. Over the next three decades, I taught elementary school, high school, adult education and career and technical education. I also served as a teacher on special assignment. Alongside my work in schools, I built a career as a professional artist, publishing children’s book illustrations and selling my work nationwide.

Education was my life for more than 30 years. Then life shifted. After working in a corporate setting for a local fashion company during a restructuring period, I found myself in transition. For about five months, I wasn’t working. I painted. I reflected. I spent time thinking about what mattered most.

My wife asked me a simple question: When did we have our best work-life balance? The answer was immediate. When I was teaching.

A recruitment experience I’ll never forget

My journey back to the classroom began last year with a phone call from a recruiter with The School District of Lee County. I attended a drop-in session that answered many of my questions. Then I went to the district’s 2025 Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair.

Walking into that event was exciting. Long hallways were lined with tables representing schools across the district. I even ran into former colleagues who tried to recruit me to their campuses. But I had my sights set on Lexington Middle School.

I met with Principal Kristen Bueno for a brief interview. It was positive from the start. I could sense the momentum building. Then she said, “Are you ready to go to HR?” What happened next is something I will always remember.

When I walked into the HR area, it felt like everyone stopped what they were doing. They stood up. They applauded. For a moment, I thought I had won something. In a way, I had. I had won a new chapter in education.

That celebration set the tone. I wasn’t just hired. I was welcomed.

Teaching where I live

I officially began teaching at Lexington Middle School on Aug. 1, 2025. I had spent years serving students in Collier County while living in Lee County. Now I get to serve the community I call home.

At this stage in my life, working close to home matters. Every morning, I drive to school feeling grateful. Lexington Middle is near the beach. Some days it feels like I’m heading toward the shoreline instead of work.

The administration has been incredibly supportive. I’ve received meaningful feedback from administrators, especially after showcasing student artwork during our “Evening with the Arts” event. Hearing leaders say how much they appreciate having me here is reassuring. Support like that makes you want to stay.

Why I recommend the recruitment fair

Right now, there is a critical teacher shortage. If you are an experienced educator or just starting out, I encourage you to attend The School District of Lee County’s Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair.

My experience showed me that you are not left alone to navigate the process. From the first recruiter call to HR guidance, I received help every step of the way.

If you care about students, if you are passionate about your craft and if you want to feel supported in your career, Lee County is worth exploring.

I love teaching art. My students know I am committed to what I do. They know I have sold my work professionally and published illustrations. I share those stories with them because I want them to see what’s possible. I can already see the influence it is having.

Coming back to education was the right decision for me. Coming back through Lee County’s Recruitment Fair made it seamless.

If you’re considering your next chapter, I hope to see you there.

How to apply

The Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair will be held on Saturday, April 18. The fair is by invitation only. Interested candidates must first apply to the District’s “2026–2027 Instructional Talent Search Pool” (Job #20260014) at Apply.LeeSchools.net by April 15. Applicants who meet the necessary qualifications will receive a formal invitation to attend the Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair.

About the author

Jaime Hernandez is an art teacher at Lexington Middle School within the School District of Lee County. To learn more about rewarding careers at the District, visit LeeSchools.net/Careers.